Orange County sheriff's deputy injured in early-morning crash

Joseph Serna

An Orange County Sheriff's Department deputy was listed in critical condition Monday morning after being thrown from his vehicle in a solo crash in Mission Viejo.

Officials said the deputy was on patrol, driving southbound on Marguerite Parkway, when his cruiser slammed into a light pole near Vista Del Lago about 3 a.m. The deputy was thrown from the car and suffered a head injury, said Lt. John MacPherson.

The deputy was taken to a local hospital, where deputies and department supervisors are by his side, MacPherson said.